Which of the following is a primary role of the Speaker Pro-Tempore?

The Speaker Pro-Tempore plays a crucial role in the legislative process, particularly in the context of the Georgia General Assembly. One of the primary responsibilities of the Speaker Pro-Tempore is to carry out sessions in the absence of the Speaker. This ensures that legislative business can continue seamlessly even when the Speaker is unavailable. The Speaker Pro-Tempore steps in to maintain order, manage discussions, and oversee the proceedings, allowing the legislative agenda to move forward without interruption.

In this position, they must possess a deep understanding of parliamentary procedure and the legislative priorities of the House to effectively fulfill their duties. This role is essential for maintaining a functioning legislative body, as it provides continuity and stability in leadership.

The other options entail roles or responsibilities that do not accurately reflect the primary function of the Speaker Pro-Tempore. For example, representing the governor or managing finances are typically responsibilities assigned to other elected officials within the government structure, and presiding over committee meetings is generally a responsibility of the committee chairs, not the Speaker Pro-Tempore.